When we purchase a home or invest into a business, we never expect to move out unless it's willingly. Following the First World War, many families immigrated to Chicago neighborhoods in hopes for a fresh start and a better future for their families. But by the start of the 21st century, many of the neighborhoods like Logan Square, Pilsen, Humboldt Park, and others found themselves facing a socioeconomic crisis. Families and businesses are forced to put up “For Sale” signs due to the surge of living costs.
While many businesses in these neighborhoods found themselves adapting to new demographic shifts, many owners refused to change because of their traditional cultural identity, choosing to keep their traditions alive as long as possible. Despite the immense pressure to give in, pushback from the community has helped to keep these traditions alive. My project and interests now is to preserve a moment in history while documenting the ongoing changes. With the utilization of environmental portraiture, photographs of interior spaces, exterior landscapes, and personal interviews, my work renders to show another side of these neighborhoods that once dominated the area at a point in time. It’s important to recognize these businesses and pay homage to the culture that helped build Chicago. My work serves as a reminder that these businesses and families are as important as the next middle-class family moving in next door.